Many believe that Amazon (and its founder Jeff Bezos) has gone beyond e-commerce and penetrated all areas of consumerism, from streaming to groceries to music to even healthcare. It continues to be criticized for controlling the lives of average Americans.
But people at one company are surprised to see Bezos long in (um…are you worried?)? NFL.
Amazon Prime bought exclusive streaming rights to Thursday Night Football last year. The show’s contract with Fox has ended, reportedly at a cost of $1.3 billion.
The deal gives Amazon exclusive rights to stream 15 TNF games and one preseason game per year.
Amazon will pay $1.30 per year over the ten-year term of the deal, bringing the total value of the deal to an estimated $14.5 billion.
Twitter was in turmoil Thursday night after photos and video footage of Bezos appearing to be having fun with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell during a Thursday Night Football game between the Chiefs and Chargers surfaced.
“Listen… Soccer in Space” pic.twitter.com/lSj9hNWMbU
—NFL (@NFL) September 16, 2022
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and Amazon founder Jeff Bezos are home tonight for the Chargers Chief
Roger Goodell is in some kind of personal hell while Jeff Bezos is quietly robbing him of NFL power pic.twitter.com/L4Kh5kT3er
— Matt Lively (@mattblies) September 16, 2022
Jeff Bezos talking to Roger Goodell pic.twitter.com/DtCeN7d0YF
— Kansas City Today (@KC__Today) September 16, 2022
Goddamn Jeff Bezos is buying the NFL pic.twitter.com/WyNGopfZ66
— Sarah Abbott (@sarakate_sports) September 16, 2022
When the deal with Amazon closed in March 2021, Goodell seemed pretty excited about the league’s new partnership.
“Thursday Night Football is our first digital package and we are excited to partner exclusively with Amazon to bring the game to more fans on more platforms.” It’s driving audiences and Amazon allows us to continue to grow our fan base in innovative and compelling ways.”
Thursday’s game marked TNF’s debut for the 2022-2023 NFL season.